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Abstract

Genetic mutations are alterations in DNA that may result in the development of a disease later in life. A BRCA gene is a tumour suppressor gene that helps to prevent the development of some cancers, particularly breast cancer. If a mutation occurs, this gene no longer functions at preventing these cancers. Genetic screening is when a population is tested for a mutation in an attempt to identify a group of people that are positive for the mutation. This can help identify cancer in different populations as well as track their inheritance. This study was conducted online, questioning the Irish populations opinions on how a genetic mutation would alter their life. Topics covered included having children, illness prevention therapies if a mutation were discovered, and what impact would a mutation have on their life. Comparisons were made between genders, and age groups to demonstrate if differences of opinions exist between each group selected was compared with the overall attitude of the population. It was discovered that there was an overall difference of opinion between the different age groups, but in some questions like the ones regarding children, the opinions were similar. In this study, an investigation was conducted regarding the Irish population’s attitudes and existing knowledge towards genetic screening and how testing positive for a genetic mutation, specifically in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, would influence lifestyle choices.

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